Brindisa launch search for the Best Ibérico Ham carver in Britain
Spanish fine food specialists, Brindisa have announced the launch of the UK's first Ibérico Ham Carving championship, designed to showcase the technical skills ham carvers.
Entrants will be whittled down to five finalists who will be invited to demonstrate their skills by competing in four categories at the Hop Exchange, London Bridge on 14 November 2019. Judges will include chef-restaurateur and TV presenter, Simon Rimmer and independent Spanish carving expert, José Manuel Hidalgo.
All applicants were asked to complete an online form alongside a five-minute video of their carving ability, as well as presenting two example plates of Ibérico ham.
A total prize fund of £1,000 will be awarded at the event, with the overall winner receiving £500 cash; a trip to Extremadura to visit the indigenous, acorn-fed Ibérico pigs of the Dehesa, and the Ham Carving trophy. The 1st and 2nd place runners-up will also be invited to Spain and a selection of products including a professional set of knives.
Members of the public can attend the competition and awards which will feature a ‘hands on' carving station, supplied by Señorio de Montanera, as well as tapas and a complimentary bar.
Monika Linton, chairman and product director at Brindisa, said: "Ham carvers are treated like rock stars in Spain - such is their level of skill and charisma. Spaniard's have such a reverence for this profession as it is so integral to the culture of the region. There have long been barista competitions, cheese-monger competitions and barbeque competitions so why not ham carving? It has long been an ambition of mine to introduce a dedicated award to the UK and help bring the passion, skill and excitement to an audience of committed food lovers. It promises to be a great evening of entertainment in true Spanish style."
